Citric Acid’s Effect on Teeth. Brian Ip & Maren FS.The purpose of this experiment was to figure out what effects citric acid had on teeth at different concentrations.In order to see the effects, teeth were soaked in water (pH 7), orange juice (pH 4.13), 11.99 gram citric acid solution (pH 2.42), and an 8.49 gram citric acid solution (pH 2.42).After soaking the teeth in the solution, observations were made and the teeth were massed.The appearance of the teeth and the enamel hardness drastically changed.The teeth showed significant signs of decalcification after the second day when layers of the teeth started to shed and after the fifth day when clumps of white crystals formed near the roots of the teeth.The mass of the teeth went up slightly but then went back down and back up again due to absorption.High concentrations of citric acid can cause harm on teeth.
Key words: pH, citric acid, enamel, decalcification, and absorption
Journal Citation: Parker, D.M. (2003, September, 16). Human enamel erosion in constant composition citric acid solutions as a function of degree of saturation with respect to hydroxyapatite. Oral Rehabilitation, 32, Retrieved 2/19/2009, from http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118653682/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
Key words: pH, citric acid, enamel, decalcification, and absorption
Journal Citation:
Parker, D.M. (2003, September, 16). Human enamel erosion in constant composition citric acid solutions as a function of degree of saturation with respect to hydroxyapatite. Oral Rehabilitation, 32, Retrieved 2/19/2009, from http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118653682/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0